Stories

Photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance

In our weekly updates, we share stories of our presence and impact around the world: from disaster response, to refugee and immigration ministry, to ongoing sustainable development projects in impoverished areas. Catch up on updates you missed, or find stories you want to read and share again! Or, subscribe to receive weekly email updates.

The Week of Compassion Board of Stewards held its annual spring meeting virtually on May 27 to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in the United States and Canada and around the world. The meeting was originally scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico, but COVID-19 halted travel and is affecting the ongoing recovery work from Hurricane Maria. This pandemic is impacting all of the work and partners Week of Compassion supports for disaster response, refugee assistance, and sustainable development.

On this Giving Tuesday, Week of Compassion lifts up the work of our partners to provide relief and respond to the effects of COVID-19. Here is just one of many stories about how we are working to help save lives during this difficult time.

Indicates all Week of Compassion responses to COVID-19. Visit our home page for a map of all 2020 responses.

On Tuesday, May 5, many will participate in a special day of charitable giving known as Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday originally emerged around Thanksgiving as a day of generosity, but this movement is gaining traction right now because so many ministries and services are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time when the work of serving others is so important, the ministries of so many of our partners become even more vital. The generosity of donors is even more important right now as we seek to serve our neighbors --here, and around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold at home and around the world. Many of us have been practicing social distancing in our own homes and neighborhoods, knowing that when we stay home, we can save lives. On a global scale, the pandemic continues to escalate and impact many communities.

During this time of uncertainty, the presence and support of our wider Church is more important than ever.

Dear Friends,
It’s that time of year again: in church, you hear words of hope and peace, comfort and joy. But outside of the sanctuary, life feels anything BUT peaceful. The traffic, the crowds, and the very long to-do list make for added stress in a time that is supposed to be about family and celebration.

One of the things that can make the season feel hectic is the expectation of gift-giving. Many are feeling the final push to do last minute shopping, getting every item crossed off the list.

Photo: CWS Japan: Moriya, a city in Ibaraki Prefecture, was severely impacted by the typhoon. This window captures the light and color still present in hardship

In the dark winter months, Advent is a season of hope. As people of faith, we seek light and life in that darkness, trusting that God is giving shape to new life even when we can’t yet see it. We are also called to actively embody that hope. As the Church, we offer hope to others who are living through dark times. The work that you support through Week of Compassion reflects the hope, peace, joy and love of this season in tangible ways. Here are just a few of the places that hope travels through some of our recent responses.